Oozing positive energy, world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen made his opening gambit by saying he would return to Chennai to win the world chess championship by defeating five-time champion Viswanathan Anand. “I respect Anand. But I don’t fear him,” Carlsen told reporters here on Monday.
The Norwegian superstar answered a volley of questions, some loaded and some innocuous, with the charm and confidence of the leader of a global sport. Carlsen is on his maiden visit to the city to check out the venue of his battle with Anand in November.
The Super GM said he was pleased with all the arrangements here.
There was no hint of arrogance in Carlsen when he took questions regarding the world championship match.
“Of course, I should recognise that Anand is the world champion. He is a great player. But the kind of form he is in now gives me confidence. I have been successful in the last few outings with him,” said Carlsen, who admitted to entering every competition with the intention of winning the title.
“As along as I am in top shape and work on the game, I think, I have every chance to win. I am sure anyone will go into a world championship with a supreme belief that you will win. I also will come back to Chennai with the belief that everything is in my favour,” he added.
Noting that he would have been more comfortable playing in his hometown, the chess prodigy said that local support would surely help Anand.
“The home town advantage might not be big for a chess player compared to other sportspersons, but then, I believe that Anand would be starting the match with a psychological advantage,” he said.
“I think any match for the world championship will be very tough. He is one of the all-time best players and he will be eager to show his game strength in his hometown, Chennai,” Carlsen added.
The youngest player to cross 2800 elo rating in the world said that the difference of age (Anand is 21 years elder to Carlsen) would not make a difference to the match.
“If I am able to have more energy and keep my concentration, then there is all the possibility that I will win. Similarly, Anand has been in the game for a longer time and I don’t think he would be surprised by anything. He will surely be in his finest shape for the match and I will also concentrate on doing my best,” Carlsen said.
Discussing his contribution to the success of Anand in the previous world championship encounters, the Norwegian chess wonder said that his help was useful to the Indian.
“It was also a great learning experience for me. You will really appreciate how great a player Anand is when you interact with him,” he added.